This small crystal ware collection are gifts to us on various occasions over the past 40 years ie wedding, anniversaries, birthdays, awards, etc. I knew very little about crystal ware except that they are expensive high quality glassware with brand names like Bohemia (lead crystal) from Czechoslovakia which is now made up of the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. They are later also produced in places like France, Italy, Australia, Japan and even China.
So I did a little research on the subject, its history, and in particular about Bohemia crystal ware and the lead oxide compound added into making it strong, heavy and durable. Excerpts taken from the Bohemia Crystal Association Australia below may be useful. To read more go into http://www.bohemia.com.au/index.cfm
"Glass is known to have been produced 6,000 years ago and early developers were the Greeks, Egyptians Roman and Chinese empires. In the 13th century glassware became a thriving industry, primarily in Venice. By the 1500's high quality coloured glass became known throughout the world as 'Venetian glass'. By the 1600 the French and Germans were producing with the Germans adding potash and lime to the basic ingredients and calling the product 'Bohemian Glass'. The English added lead oxide giving sparkle, weight and ring.
The Czech glass industry has been producing domestic glass for over 600 years and are regarded as the pioneers and masters of cut and etched glass and crystal.
The glassware we find in today's tableware market is called crystal because of its clarity, fine quality and high refractive power. Crystal glassware is always highly crafted and a product of exquisite beauty.
Lead oxide may be added to the basic ingredients for making glassware, creating the product we know as 'lead crystal'. The addition of lead will make the glass easier for the craftsman to cut and at the same time cause the glass to becomes more sensitive to light. It now acquires it characteristic and inimitable sparkle.
The quantity of lead in Bohemia Crystal is generally 24 % lead oxide. Product with a higher percentage of lead oxide does not necessarily imply superior quality. A high percentage of lead content will probably lead to a greater likelihood of chipping and the item may acquire a bluish tinge, over time.
Kaliglass is the term given to glassware to which lead oxide has not been added. This glassware does not usually go to the cutting stage of production.
Pressed and over-cut crystal are terms used to describe how the cut patterns are created on the products. 'Pressed' being a pattern introduced to the near molten glass by pressing onto its surface. 'Overcut' being an item of pressed crystal which has received its final detail from a master cutter, by hand.
The initial stage of the lead crystal process is the provision and mixing of the raw materials. Silica sand is sieved and purified by means of water, hot air and magnetism. To this is added potash. Other materials may be added such as oxides (lead for the production of lead crystal) gold oxide (to create ruby coloured glass), iron oxide (for green colour) cobalt (blue), uranium (for amber or yellow), barium oxide (for strength) etc. The amount of lead oxide added determines the classification and strength of the crystal. Generally, colour is found in non-lead crystal.
With all Bohemia Crystal's Mouth Blown and Hand Cut glassware, mechanical accuracy is neither expected nor desired. The slight variations in thickness, width and height, even minute air bubbles, are all features of the glass that indicate it is a wonderful product of fine hand crafting.
You will now be able to value more fully your piece of crystal and be able to share the satisfaction of the craftsmen who make such items of beauty. Perhaps, also, you will be better able to appreciate the skills involved in all stages of glass-making and can acknowledge the contribution of this industry that demands artistry and craftsmanship of the highest order .”
The 16 pieces in my collection are displayed below. They comprise of vases, bowls, glasses, plate, dishes and ashtrays. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.
 Lead cut crystal large vase France |  Bohemia cut crystal large vase Czechoslovakia |
 green crystal vase (with applied flowers & designs) |  Bohemia cut crystal vase Czech Rep |
 Bohemia cut crystal vase Czech Rep |  Bohemia cut crystal vase Slovak Rep |
 cut crystal vase Italy |  plain crystal small vase China |
 pair of cut crystal drinking glasses |  cut crystal plate |
 Bohemia cut crystal fruit or vegetable bowl Czechoslovakia |  Bohemia cut crystal punch bowl Czechoslovakia |
 cut crystal segmented sweet dish |  cut crystal sweet dish |
 Bohemia cut crystal round ashtray Czech Rep |  Bohemia cut crystal square ashtray Czechoslovakia |
